HCM City, UK strengthen partnership in digital transformation, innovation
Under the MoU, both sides will promote cooperation in research and innovation among policymakers, government agencies, research institutions, universities, and businesses to support digital transformation and drive technological advancements in the southern city.
The UK Consulate General and the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation. (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA)𓂃 – The UK Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on science, technology, and innovation cooperation during the opening session of UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 on March 27.
The agreement aims to establish a strong foundation for enhancing collaboration in science, technology, and innovation based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit. It also seeks to strengthen research and innovation capabilities at both the city and national levels, contributing to sustainable development.
Under the MoU, both sides will promote cooperation in research and innovation among policymakers, government agencies, research institutions, universities, and businesses to support digital transformation and drive technological advancements in the southern city.
The collaboration will focus on science-based research and innovation, spanning fundamental studies to applied technology in key fields such as digital transformation, smart city technology, financial technology (FinTech), emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics and automation, nanotechnology, and cybersecurity and health technology (HealthTech).
Both parties emphasised the importance of Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. The MoU aligns with the resolution's objectives by strengthening UK-Vietnam cooperation in these crucial areas.
UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)
UK Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew, described the MoU as a significant milestone in deepening the UK-HCM City partnership in digital technology. By promoting deeper cooperation in digital transformation, the two sides are paving the way for new opportunities to promote economic growth and technological advancement, he added.
Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, spoke highly of UK’s support in digital transformation initiatives, such as sharing smart city development expertise, providing technical assistance in building the city’s data strategy, and collaborating on workforce training in science and technology.
She went on to say that the week serves as a key platform for connecting investors, experts, and businesses from Vietnam and the UK, fostering breakthrough solutions for a comprehensive and sustainable digital future. The signing of the MoU reaffirms the city’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the UK amid the global digital transformation trend, she noted.
Taking place from March 27-28, UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 is the UK’s flagship annual event dedicated to accelerating digital innovation and strengthening partnerships between the UK and Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam./.
At the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang affirmed that the MoU not only represents a milestone in the cooperation between the two sides but also demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to protecting consumer interests in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.
Vietnam’s plan to establish regional and international financial centres in Da Nang City and Ho Chi Minh City will not only enhance the country’s position in the regional and global financial systems but also create motives for sustainable economic growth.
As part of his visit to the UK, on March 18, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh held meetings with British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu laid stress on the significance of the Hanoi Convention, particularly to the Asia – Pacific, to handling legal gaps in international cooperation against rapidly increasing global cybercrime.
The week features a rich lineup of activities, including a plenary conference on blockchain and AI development, thematic seminars on future technology trends and investment visions, applications of blockchain and AI in business, the Super Vietnam PitchFest, as well as forums for blockchain and AI.
According to the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, dated December 22, 2024, on making breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, this is considered a decisive factor in the development of nations. It is seen as a prerequisite and the best opportunity for Vietnam to become prosperous and powerful in the new era of the nation’s rise.
